Police Blame Death of Man Hospitalized After Traffic Stop Struggle On Medical Condition

Joshua Paul, 31, died Aug. 18 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Illinois after an altercation with Carpentersville Police.

Details remain sketchy, and police have been exceptionally tight lipped during the week after the incident – but authorities released a statement Monday, saying Paul had a medical condition that was not apparent at the time of the incident.

Two Carpentersville police officers pulled over Paul’s vehicle for a traffic violation at about 5:26 p.m. Aug. 17 in the 200 block of Springhill Road, according to a police statement released Monday.

The officers suspected Paul was operating the vehicle with a revoked driver’s license and was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for previous traffic violations, police said.

After confirming Paul’s identity and that he was driving on a revoked driver’s license with an outstanding arrest warrant for traffic-related offenses, the officers tried to place him under arrest, police said.

Paul stepped away from the two officers and tried to enter his vehicle, police said. He was taken into custody after a “brief physical struggle” during which Paul suffered a laceration to his chin, police said.

Officers called paramedics to the scene and Paul was transported to Sherman Hospital for treatment of the laceration, police said. Medical personnel then told officers that Paul required medical attention beyond treatment for the cut on his chin.

Paul’s condition deteriorated at the hospital where he died several hours later, police said.

Police have not revealed the cause of death and though an autopsy of Paul’s body has been performed, the results are being withheld.

The Carpentersville Police Department did request an independent investigation into Paul’s death, and the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Unit is reviewing the case.

“Carpentersville police officials are sharing all pertinent information regarding this matter with Illinois State Police investigators,” the statement made Monday, said.

“Out of respect to the family and loved ones of Mr. Paul, and in order to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation is performed by the Illinois State Police, no further details regarding this matter will be released at this time,” the statement read.

The officers involved remain on duty.

A memorial service for Paul was held Saturday at Laird Funeral Home in Elgin. An online fundraiser to help cover Paul’s final expenses can be found HERE.